Thursday, 9 February 2012
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Re: Fashola's LASTMA Extortion Scheme: How It Works
By Ndubuisi R. Okoji
Dear All: My name is Ndubuisi Okoji, the president of Association for Better Environment. The association focuses on environmental issues one of which is ROAD SAFETY.
I have decided to write this email because of the attention that this matter has generated.
Mr. Ike Uzoh's email was forwarded to me by a colleague on Wednesday evening August 11, 2010. Having read the email, the same was forwarded to the following people the following day Thursday August 12, 2010 asking them to assist:
1. Mr Kayode Opeifa - Senior Assistant on Transport
2. Mr Shola Giwa - Senior Assistant on LASTMA
3. Mr Tunde Edu - General Manager LASTMA
4. Mr Patrick Adenusi - Coordinator, Safety Alliance
Mr Opeifa sent the reply below and I forwarded this to Mr Uzoh immediately via text message.
Mr. Giwa responded to my text message requesting for the victim's GSM number for him to call. I sent the number and he called Mr Ike Uzoh immediately. Mr Uzoh confirmed this to me.
Mr. Edu responded to my text message asking me to send the victim to him with a note identifying him(Uzoh). A note was sent to Mr Uzoh through the same person who forwarded the email to me.
Mr. Patrick Adenusi called and spoke with Mr Ariyo in charge of Victoria Island zone.
While all these were on, Mr Uzoh went ahead and paid the fine. This we only got to know later on.
Mr. Uzoh later confirmed to me that Mr Giwa had resolved the issue and had asked him to go the next day which was Friday to pick up his car.
However, by Friday August 12th, the story turned up on SaharaReporters and that stalled the release of the vehicle.
I was on SaharaReporters same Friday and I saw the story. This was a day after all these Government functionaries had stepped in.
Please note that I have only met Mr Giwa in person, I work hand -hand with Mr Adenusi. I have never met Mr Opeifa, Mr Edu and Mr Uzoh.
The only reason Mr Adenusi and I took the matter up was because of our various NGOs and having read Mr Uzoh's story, we felt it was necessary for us to step in.
I am doing this email for a reason:
The responsiveness of the Government officials involved. I strongly believe that when Government officials fail in their duties, we should join hands in giving them knocks and where they meet our expectations, we should also give them kudos or applaud them.
The truth of the matter is that the citizens have lost hope in the Nigerian Government and so when we have issues such as this, we never expect anything positive from the Government Agency involved so the way out is take our matter to the Public Domain. I have done that a lot of times as a Social campaigner and I have also commended where necessary.
It is important to let both the readers and those posting comments have this UPDATE in order to strike a balance in their views.
In my opinion, I believe Mr Uzoh took his case to the public domain because he was helpless and that was the only way he thought he could draw attention to his plight. Now that he was able to get them to intervain, he should come back and also update the readers.
I must also not fail to mention that he confessed that he was shocked and overwhelmed at the positive responses from the quarters mentioned above and this has somehow changed his perception to a large extent.
I will like this published if only for one reason, to let people know that they can reach these people when they have issues, send them emails, send them text messages on LASTMA issues and even VIOs as long as you can prove that you are in the right.
PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE COPIED ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED SO YOU CAN CONFIRM THE VERACITY OF THIS STORY.
Thank you.
Ndubuisi R. Okoji
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Join the Alliance Against LASTMA Excesses
Submitted by AllianceAgainst LASTMAExcesses (not verified) on August 21, 2011 - 17:00.
Lagosians do not need to know the Governor's direct aides to drive the streets of Lagos. Join the facebook page of AllianceAgainst LASTMAExcesses in lagos (aale.lagos). Post any incidence of harrassment involving LASTMA, providing as much details as possible and you would get real help. Or text directly our dedicated numbers, 07067102097. Email is aale.lagos@yahoo.com
LASTMA Arrest
Submitted by sames (not verified) on February 18, 2011 - 21:17.
I am a legal citizen of Nigeria and always pay my tax as a patriotic Nigerian.I was arrested today fri.18th/02/11 on my private bike by a LASTMA official while linking through the express to Abbatoir road,Pencinema to resume office.I told him I am a professional despatch rider and as well showed him my ID card but this man refused me go...I am being told to pay a fine of #25,000 for the release.Where do I get such money???This is now 3 months without a pay,I am only trying to survive with my family.Please,anyone here to help,I am a poor Nigerian under Lastma FRUSTRATION!!! 08136299668 or netcross1960@yahoo.com
The police and LASTMA
Submitted by jide Babatunde (not verified) on January 4, 2011 - 16:18.
I think that first of all if people are to be arrested for traffic offences such as illegal parking there has to awareness in the form of signs and notices that state that how fast you should drive, where you can park etc., with the absence of such you can blame drivers who park their cars on the side of the road. Also the LASTMA close for work at about 5pm when all hell is let loose on Lagos roads. They should deploy their staff to the hot spots of traffic in lagos and do their job!
LASTMA TO BE SCAPEGOAT=NO STATE POLICE POLICY
Submitted by outshinedDarkness (not verified) on August 22, 2010 - 19:57.
They will faustarate any state established forces with saboteurs to let us know states forces are never better option. LASTMA watch your back and those you have in your mists...plenty agents as officers.there is no way federal for states will beat a state for state security agencies. How do you feel when you are a particular family and instead of the head or people of thesame family to control the lenght and breadth of the fences and how people move inside and around their fences, an oustider thinks it is better done by outsider? It is true that division of work gives room for efficiency and so is the split of the nature of such work...states affairs are better for the states, and a forseen interference is evil to the existence of the states...=center against nations in nigeria phenomenon...lets go to the constitution and do some good work for liberation from shackles being subjugated upon us since 60s.
Road Warining Sign under a Tree?
Submitted by Sparkle (not verified) on August 18, 2010 - 18:13.
Is that the best those LASTMA folks could do? Admit guilt and still penalize! Truly Pathetic. In this modern time, how can one imagine a road safety sign under a tree? The head of LASTMA should bury his head in SHAME. He's a disgrace, nonentity, lacks necessary exposure to keep the office and should be replaced forthwith.
Mr. Ike Ozoh should immediately proceed to the courts for true justice.
Re: LASTMA
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 18, 2010 - 12:02.
I have been tracking this story and am hoping that two things will result soonest.
1. before the close of business today, Mr. uzoh would have retrieved his vehicle from LASTMA
2. The 50k fine he paid would be refunded to him alongside a formal letter of apology from the relevant authority
It is only after all these that we can truly believe the slogan "Eko o ni baje".
It is high time LASTMA officials & LASG are taken to the law courts for issues such as this, afterall LASG was in the forefront of protecting and legally assisting Ms. Okere who was assualted by Navy Admiral Arogundade and some naval ratings in recent times
@ Rita Okonji: Many thanks
Submitted by Sumanguru (not verified) on August 18, 2010 - 10:03.
@ Rita Okonji: Many thanks for the the info given above on Lagos officials. But my brother (or is it sister), driving in Lagos is a near battle because of the traffic management by ambush of LASTMA.
However, some pertinent questions remain, was the car not released because the story appeared on Sahara? After collecting his car, what about a refund of his hard earned 50k and all monies expended on the (ouch!) psychiatric evaluation? Like I said, the trimming of the tree is an admission that the tree covered the signage, how will he be further compensated for the trauma he suffered all these days?
There is no question about it, LASTMA officials see their job as a veritable money making exercise and not an altruistic attempt to manage the Lagos chaotic traffic.
UPDATE UNDER DURESS
Submitted by Walesmann (not verified) on August 17, 2010 - 18:49.
The full force of government's tyranny was brought to bear on the young man to exact a near-apologetic statement from him. These were all obvious in the genuflectic submissions he made above. How dare he expose the emperor to public embarrassments? He must be made to pay for this.
His phone was bombarded with all manner of calls from faceless people . He was threatened . He was frightened , and the condition was made : YOU MUST BE HUMILIATED AS WELL BEFORE WE RETURN YOUR CAR .
You must go for the psychiatric evaluation, and send a retraction of your earlier statements. Ensure you use your hands to paint the Government in better lights. The emperor must be obeyed.
Have they released his car yet ? How can ? Not until he has paid all manner of Lagos state Government taxes! I have followed this case very closely , and I can attest to it that as at this moment , his car is yet to be released to him. This young Nigerian has been embarrassed , traumatised and humiliated by agents of a so called humane and performing Governor.
Fellow citizens, this is a very sad situation. It could be anybody's turn tomorrow, hence I do not think we should stop until the Government or its agent has apologised for this misconduct. They also need to refund whatever has been wrongfully collected from him. Every bit. This would go a long way in redeeming whatever is left of this Government's dignity
He just confirmed to me that
Submitted by Ndubuisi Rita Okoji (Association for Better Environment (not verified) on August 17, 2010 - 15:28.
He just confirmed to me that he's picking the car today. Thanks.
The Nigerian system is a peculiar one, so we nd to handle issues
Submitted by Ndubuisi Rita Okoji (Association for Better Environment (not verified) on August 17, 2010 - 15:21.
I sent in the update.
Part of the problems we have in this country is the fact that we all compare Nigeria to the developed world knowing that we operate a VERY rotten system and we are not willing and ready to do those things that will transform the country.
We should move from complaining and lamenting to doing and that is the only way we can change the system.
The road signages and markings only started gracing Lagos roads one or two years ago, it will take people a while to get used to.
The same way it will take a while to get the system to a near-perfect state where you do not need to carry government officials' numbers on your head in order to contact them when you are treated unjustly.
FOR NOW, IF MEMORISING THEIR NUMBERS/EMAIL ADDRESSES IS WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO CHANGE/IMPROVE THE SYSTEM , THEN SO BE IT.
IN THE USA, YOU NEED TO KNOW THE EMAIL OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE/CONGRESS TO ENABLE YOU CONTACT THEM WHEN YOU HAVE ISSUES.
For those who are interested in having the contact details, please see below:
Mr Kayode Opeifa - Special Adviser (Transportation)opeifaeko@yahoo.com, 08075005411
Mr Shola Giwa - Special Assistant on LASTMA sholagiwa@gmail.com, 08023909364
Engineer Toriola - Chief VIO, 08034006683
It's always advisable to send text should they fail to pick your calls.
As at today Tuesday 17th
Submitted by Udu Mrakpor (not verified) on August 17, 2010 - 14:45.
As at today Tuesday 17th August, Mr Ozoh is yet to get his car even after paying N50000 and undergoing a humiliating pyschiatric evaluation. Mr Okonji, kindly contact all those you know so that they can release this poor man's car to him. As far as I'm concerned every government official involved in this case has performed far less than satisfactory and deserve the severest knocks we can give them
I still don't believe that we
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 16, 2010 - 21:36.
I still don't believe that we need to know all the people listed above to drive in Lagos, if proper laws and rule of laws were laid. Before we jump, let's try to learn how to walk. Before you arrest people for driving on One-Way, please make the sign BOLD and READABLE!!!! Most of the LASTMA boys on the street are not learned and they always approach drivers with an element of fight. Please before we start enforcing traffic laws, put up road signs, pavement markings, road warnings, etc. We see these in Europe and America, which Lagos State officials do travel to everytime on official assignments???. Anyways, please before you enslave us in Lagos, try and give us adequate road markings. I do not need to know anybody to drive in New York, why should I now carry Lagos officials numbers on my phone? Eko oni baje o
Contact Numbers or e-mails of officials
Submitted by Remi Lawal (not verified) on August 16, 2010 - 21:34.
I commend Mr Okonji's intervention in this matter. However, most Lagosians who have fallen victim's of the antics of LASTMA boys know how helpless one feels when caught in their web.
I will implore Mr. Mr. Okonji to kindly furnish us with contact details of these key officials as this will go a long way in getting justice whenever Lagosians are unfairly treated.
Are Govt.officials reading us
Submitted by Mike Milton (not verified) on August 16, 2010 - 20:35.
Are government officials reading online to feel the pulse of the people.it took the Gov. of Edo state only one day to order investigations into the inappropriate sex saga in AAU Ekpoma, though the result is yet to be released but the masses know that he took prompt action.Are those in Lagos reading?????Not exactly the Governor but his aide who can report incidents to him for instruction.Newspaper which you read will never publish this type of story.shine your eyes please.The disgraced and deposed Akure oba's assault news started here and Ondo state Gov.took action accordingly.So open your eyes LAGOS
Must suffering lagosian
Submitted by Mike Milton (not verified) on August 16, 2010 - 20:07.
Must suffering lagosian always go to court of public opinion before their cases are resolved???What about those illiterate danfo drivers who don't know what email or internet is.This LASTMA boys terrorize them daily and make a huge living from this guys.I was a transporter and this lastma officials almost killed my business as they arrest my buses on their way to OShodi oke after Anthony oke and barracks bus-stops.They line that route between 4 and 6pm and heralding buses into their compound near their headquarters only to release them after the payment of 5,000.This happens daily.If you don't pay your bus will be held there and a formal ticket will be issued for framed up offense and you will end-up losing revenue for as many days your bus stays there.They habitually do this to transporter because any business minded person will not want his bus to stay in there for days and they still count demurrage of 1000naira daily on each bus.
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